Is data safe on DVD's?

Question

Is it true that data stored in DVDs is more likely to be lost or damaged than that stored on CDs ? What's the safest means to store important data?

Answer 1

Well, in that each bit occupies smaller space on a DVD than a CD (and I take it you're referring to burned rather than commercial printed disks) they are more susceptible to small damage. So, yes in that sense.

Plus if you go dual-layer then there's even more sensitivity to damage.

But on a DVD you've got more space, so you can make multiple copies of files on multiple disks to minimise the risk... at that point it's probably safer.

What's the safest way to store important data? The *only* technologies that have been proved to survive centuries and even fires and flood and sand are written / printed paper & parchment, stone and wood carving. Reckoning that slabs of stone or slices of tree are silly, the most secure way to store data is printed using non-organic inks on acid free paper... or if you want to go really retro then punched paper tape. Or look up 'digital paper' as an idea, but it's a few years since I saw that mentioned.

But if you keep CDs / DVDs in ideal storage and duplicate the data every few years (work on no more than 50% of the expected lifetime) and migrate it to the current stable technology so you never get the position your data is on some media you can't read (like 5 1/4 inch diskettes... or 8 inch disktettes if you ever saw those) you'll be pretty safe. Especially if you keep multiple copies. And keep the disks in ideal storage conditions and only read them when you need to and handle them carefully. Eeek.

Other than that you're looking at expensive technology... or bulky technology.

I think the expected safe life of written CDs and DVDs is about 10 years at present.

Answer 2

Their is no diferent w/ DVD or CD they are same but the capacity of their storation are different. But the best way to be sure that your data is safe, save it to USB this is the most common that using for storing a confidential data's...

Answer 3

There no difference in safety when comparing a DVD to a CD. the only difference is their capacity. for me,i have a software i use called 'pc data backup'. however its not free as i pay a yearly fee and it keeps my data on their server.

What some people usually do is attach documents they dont wanna lose and send an email to themselves. It usually works but as for larger files its gonna be tough. So Hard disk drives are usually the most common form for backup.

Answer 4

both dvd and vcd is not safe for storeing data for long time it is better to use pen drive or flash drive to store datas
if ur storing data in cd and vcd pls use better quality cd and check the data atleast once ina week

Answer 5

Well, DVDs are not very safe and the can easily get damaged, try using another media type like USB Hard disks they are kinda expensive but more safe.